A SCOUT group is appealing for donations so it can bring back an annual trip it was forced to cancel last year due to a lack of funds.

The 22nd Southend Boys Brigade and Girls Association usually takes its members on a seven-day summer camp to Swanage, in south east Dorset, to enjoy games, activities and team building.

The last time youngsters were able to go in the trip was in 2014, as the association cannot afford the £800 needed.

Laura O'Rourke, youth leader of the group, based at Belle Vue Baptist Church, in Belle Vue Avenue, Southend, has now set up an online charity page.

The association's own fundraising efforts failed to hit the mark, raising just £300 of the total.

She said: “In 2015 rising costs meant that we were sadly unable to make this happen, so this year we are fundraising to help keep costs down so that as many of our young people as possible can have the opportunity to go.

“We have a ring-fenced fund which helps us to make things more affordable for our young people whenever we can, including trips which could otherwise be too expensive for them to attend.

“This year we’d like to direct part of this fund towards subsidising the cost for all our boys and girls who would like to attend our summer camp.

“We have raised just over £300 so far but need some more help to raise the remaining £470.

“Anything you are able to donate would help us towards our goals of subsidising each camper by £30 and giving them a week to remember.”

Anyone wishing to help out can visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Swanage-camp-2016.